Search This Blog

Posts

The dreaded proxy server has reared its head again. If you read my post about Linux OS for old tech you would have found me advocating Ubuntu, Elementary and Linux Mint. Unfortunately, I have found Linux Mint to be problematic if your school server uses proxy settings to get online. Ubuntu and Elementary also require changes to the network settings if you use a proxy, but this only involves a simple change in the Network Settings panel. This doesn't work in Linux Mint, the settings can be entered but will not remain saved.

So, here's the 'how to' courtesy of the askUbuntu Q&A section - if you're not keen on using terminal commands I suggest you either don't bother using Linux Mint and stick to Ubuntu or Elementary (or any other Linux distro) or swallow your fears and give this a go.

Use terminal to open /etc/environment using a text edit app as superuser - e.g. interminal type sudo gedit /etc/environment (enter password when asked)Add the following line…

Now let's begin by saying straight off that the iOS app Kodable will not teach a young child (or a child of any age) how to code. What it does do, and does very well, is to introduce a child to code through symbols and logical thinking.

EYFS (Kindergarten) may not be the first age group for many educators to introduce aspects of coding but I've found that it's a perfect age group due to the very inquisitive nature of young learners. The children in my class are 4 years old and using an app like Kodable to start them on their coding journey has been very straightforward. The app begins with a quick demonstration of what to do then leaves the user to it. Perfect for a 4 year old who wants to explore and discover. Through using logical thinking, the children in my class worked their way through each of the presented levels using their fingers to trace out the route and talking it through with each other. As an EYFS teacher this was the perfect opportunity for me to record p…

Come on then, own up. How many of you have a pile of slow laptops gathering dust in a cupboard or a line of old pcs that no one will touch because they take over two minutes to start up? Well, before you remove their hard drives and consign them to the junk pile you should really take a look at Linux.

Linux is an operating system, just like Windows is an OS that the majority of schools use on their computers. Chances are, the old computers in your school run Windows XP and run it very, very slowly. Linux can help to speed those pcs up and make them almost as good as new (apart from the obvious signs of wear and tear, no OS can remove that).

Linux is freely available and as its an open source operating system it is continually being developed, improved and upgraded to make it even better. But Linux comes in many different distributions (distros) - my favourite is Ubuntu but you can also have Edubuntu, Xbuntu, Fuduntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora...the list goes on but two for beginners are Ubun…

About Me

In my spare time I play guitar and have performed in many pubs in the places I have lived. I am also a drummer and I have played in 4 bands over the years - Down to Victoria, EQ, The Wedding Band and Lepanto Sessions. I started drumming when sitting in a pub one night, I was tapping along to 'Double Trouble', a blues band. My mate asked if I could drum, I nodded yes even though I had never ever played on a drum kit before and next thing I knew, I was in my first band, Down to Victoria.

Teacher?

I got into teaching quite by accident. I only ever wanted to paint and draw and had even got my own art studio in Derry. After another year 'on the dole' (unemployed) and making not much selling my paintings, I started voluntary work at my old primary school teaching kids art. I was supposed to stay 1 week and ended up there for 4 months, not just giving Art lessons but then 'teaching' other subjects. I graduated with a BA hons in Primary Education in 1996 and the rest is history.

I am also a Google Certified Teacher and an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Circles I'm interested in.

Education

Teaching

Technology

EdTech

Learning

Music

Art

What do I use G+ for?

I use it just in the same way as I use Twitter - to share ideas, stories, tips and resources for teaching and learning. I also post about my interests so no cats here. I find Twitter to be very limiting for discussions, debates and extended conversations, it ends up usually like a bar brawl with everyone shouting to be heard and the original topic of conversation is lost. G+ holds conversations together and with embedded media that brings it alive. G+ is a much better social experience.